To bolster the presence of Bremer Authentic Ingredients in Illinois and Indiana, Bremer is excited to announce the hiring of Tim Richards as the new sales representative for the territory.

Richards is an enthusiastic, passionate individual who has worked in the food industry for nearly 20 years. Most of his experience has come in Indiana, and he knows the market thoroughly. Richards will use his infectious enthusiasm and customer-centric style to increase Bremer’s presence in Illinois and Indiana.

“We knew the opportunity for expansion into a larger portion of the Midwest was there,” said Todd Gifford, Sales Manager with Bremer, “and Tim is the right person to lead that charge. He’s proven himself to be a successful salesperson in the food industry and, most important, puts an intense focus on the customer. His ideals fit right in line with Bremer’s.”

“This is a great opportunity for me and Bremer,” added Richards. “I thrive on working with people, bringing in new business and building on existing business. Being able to help Bremer expand into a market I know well is a challenge I am excited to embrace.”

Bremer is known not only for its quality ingredients, but also for the way it deals with customers. Making sure all customers get everything they need, when they need it, is at the core of Bremer’s customer service. With the addition of Richards, Bremer can seamlessly expand its reach into the Midwest with the same level of customer care for which Bremer is known.

“We’re fully committed to this market,” said Gifford. “When we talked about expanding, we knew we had to do it right. With the addition of Tim, as well as our dedicated trucks and drivers, we’re eager to bring our authentic ingredients farther into the Midwest.”

Everyone wants to eat healthier, but no one wants to give up snacks. The solution: healthier snacks. Those who make snack foods are on to the trend, and therefore it’s easier for consumers to find light snacks on the shelves as well as research healthier snack ideas to create at home.

Snacks used to be marketed as something to behold. Sort of a prize consumers get to give themselves. Luxurious treats created for indulgence and enjoyment.

Now, as consumers demand healthy snacks, food manufacturers are shifting the target of their marketing. Look at the shelves now and you’ll see packages touting light snacks, natural snacks and baked snacks. Each of these terms comes with the connotation of health.

American consumers aren’t going to immediately shift from their indulgent habits into a vegetable-only snack routine. For most consumers, taste is more important than health.

The solution? Higher quality ingredients. Snack makers are finding ways to keep the great taste consumers crave while increasing the health content of the snacks at the same time.

For instance, we’re now able to go to the store and purchase foods with dramatically less sodium that still have the salty taste we love.

Yes, a lot of the healthy-snacks revolution is coming from the marketers. But they’re backing it up. They have to—they can’t legally claim less sodium unless they’re actually using less sodium.

We’re seeing better, higher quality ingredients being used to create the snacks our country demands—tasty, healthy treats built for indulgence without any residual feelings of guilt.

The Essentials on Types of Vinegar

If you’re already a Bremer Ingredients customer, buying the vinegars you need as you need them, you’re likely very knowledgeable in the many types of vinegar and how they’re used.

But what if you’re not a professional? Maybe you question why there are so many vinegars in the aisle at the grocery store. How could one be different from another? Can you buy distilled vinegar instead of white vinegar? Are either of those the same as apple cider vinegar?

First, yes, distilled vinegar and white vinegar are the same thing. You’ll often see it noted as “distilled white vinegar.” The “distilled” part of the name comes not from the distillation of vinegar, but from the fermentation of distilled alcohol. Once diluted, we have a vinegar that can be used for more than you think (more on this later).

Apple cider vinegar is, not surprisingly, created from cider or apple must. These vinegars are extremely acidic, sometimes reaching as high as 5 on the pH scale.

Uses for Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Almost always, apple cider vinegar is used for cooking, as its acidity makes it harsh on the throat when undiluted. While it’s sometimes consumed as a beverage (after being diluted with water or juice), you’ll most often find it as a cooking ingredient.

Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is more versatile (and common around the house). In addition to cooking and baking, distilled vinegar can be used for pickling (slice up a cucumber, put it in some white vinegar and within a few minutes, you’ll have some pickles), as well as meat preservation.

Outside food preparation and preservation, white vinegar is used as a cleaning agent and also plays a role in medicinal pursuits.

So, are all vinegars the same? Definitely not. But they’re all interesting and useful in their own ways.